United States Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has worked under seven presidents during his thirty years of government service. An Indiana University alumnus (M.A. 1966), Gates was Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and President of Texas A&M University prior to his appointment by President George W. Bush as the 22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense. His work in that position has been characterized by his emphasis on soft power, diplomacy, development and responsiveness to local concerns in military efforts.